MULTI-storey car parks could become part of York's skyline under a new plan to solve the problem of the city's shrinking car parks.

Leader of City of York Council's Conservative group John Galvin said multi-storeys should be used, provided there was proper consultation.

The council's meeting last night approved his amendment to a motion from Liberal Democrat Ann Reid, which stated that the council would look at all ways of "retaining at least the present city centre car parking levels".

The ideas were backed by representatives of York's business community, who presented the meeting with a 3,000-signature petition calling for the suspension of any further car park closures.

Graham Audus and Val Shallcross, of Fossgate Traders Association, and Adam Sinclair, of York Chamber of Trade, said: "If York's growth is to continue, the council urgently needs to review its parking policy."

Mr Audus said: "We are very happy, as long as we see the suspension of current or pending car park closures."

He earlier criticised the council's "long term strategy" to encourage people to use Park&Ride.

"While supporting the council in their effort to reduce congestion and pollution, the continuation of this policy will inevitably cause a large number of businesses to close due to loss of trade," he said.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's executive member for transport, said: "We understand the concerns of residents and business. The Local Transport Plan has taken these into account, and I am happy to ask officers to work with councillors to address those concerns."

Updated: 11:35 Tuesday, July 16, 2002